Yalmakany Marawili
Baraltja Mangrove leaves and fruits
75cm x 57cm

ID: 509-23

Rhizophora stylosa grows up to 15 metres (50 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 25 centimetres (10 in). The bark is dark brown to black. The fruits are ovoid to pear-shaped and measure up to 4 cm (2 in) long.^[5]

Distribution and habitat

Rhizophora stylosa grows naturally in Japan, China, Taiwan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malesia, Australia (New South Wales and Queensland)^[2][5][6] and many areas of the Pacific.^[1] Its habitat is sandy beaches and coral terraces on seashores.^[5]

^{Rhizophora stylosa develops little brown fruits which are about 3-5cm small. A propagule vertically outgrows the fruit. The propagule starts to grow its sprout in the fruit while it is still on the mother tree.}

Once the propagule is fully grown it separates itself from the fruit and falls down on the ground where it immediately starts to develop roots. The edible fruit has fulfilled its purpose, normally after a few days the remaining fruit falls off the tree as well, crabs and bacteria will decompose it.